Indian cookbook awarded in Paris

India has joined the elite club of 10 best cookbook publishing countries across the world by winning an award and a special mention at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in Paris for two culinary works.

While The Emperor's Table by Salma Hussain won the Best in the World Book for Culinary History, Pure and Simple Homemade Indian Vegetarian Cuisine by Vidhu Mittal received an honourable mention in the Best Easy Recipes In the World category this month, a statement issued by Roli Books (P) Ltd said.

Both books were published by Delhi-based Roli Books.

Books from 102 countries were submitted this year for the gourmand awards. While 29 countries competed in the best culinary history book category, 54 were in the race for the best easy recipes in the world.

The Emperor's Table: The Art of Mughal Cuisine traces the history of the Mughal emperors - vis-a-vis - their fondness for food and contribution to the growth of recipes. It also takes a peek at the personal likes and dislikes of the Mughal emperors and how it has shaped the food habits in India.

The book showcases the splendour of the Mughal table through miniature paintings. Persian scholar and food connoisseur Salma Hussain works for the ITC Welcome Group as a food consultant.

Pure and Simple: Homemade Indian Vegetarian Cuisine by Vidhu Mittal compiles over 100 classic and contemporary vegetarian recipes. It also includes information on spices, vegetables and kitchen tools. Mittal is a culinary expert based in Bangalore. The award was founded by Edouard Cointreau in 1995.